Japan is a land of tradition, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than the Festivals it celebrates.

Travel Indochina is providing travellers the opportunity to experience two of Japan's most famous, striking and enduring festivals on two of its Secrets of Japan Small Group Journey departures in 2013.   

Witnessing the Gion Festival (祇園祭, Gion Matsuri) is a once in a lifetime experience. First dating back to 869, this special protective festival (goryo-e) lasts for the entire month of July, with a series of symbolic events staged throughout the month across Kyoto to keep the spirits from being angry.

July Departure

Travel Indochina's July departure 'Secrets of Japan' passengers visit Kyoto in time for the Gion Festival's main highlight; the Yamaboko parade (山鉾巡行, Yamaboko Junkō) on 17 July, which features 32 yama and hoko floats. Often known as 'moving museums' because of their elaborate decorations with tapestries, wooden and metal ornaments, yama floats depict scenes from Chinese and Japanese history and mythology, often bearing pine trees, shrines, and mannequins, while hoko are massive 2-storied, 10-ton music hall/ museum combinations hauled by teams of up to 50 men.

October Departure

Likewise in October, Travel Indochina's 'Secrets of Japan' passengers have the opportunity to experience one of the country's most striking festivals; the Takayama Festival (高山祭, Takayama Matsuri).

The key highlight of the festival, which draws a large number of people from Japan and the world over, is the display of festival floats. Decorative and dazzling 'yatai' (ornate floats) are pulled in a festival procession on the streets of Takayama. A number of the floats are decorated with elegant mechanical dolls known as 'karakuri ningyo', which are devised to move and dance.

In the Mikoshi procession, a moveable shrine 'mikoshi' is carried around the town in a parade. The mikoshi encloses the Shinto deity, and this festival is the only time of the year when the idol is carried around town.

Travel Indochina Managing Director Paul Hole says cultural festivals provide unparalleled insights into the traditions of countries, and this is particularly pronounced in Japan.

"Japan is an exceptional contrast between modernity and tradition," says Paul. "The Gion and Takayama Festivals really emphasise how history has been preserved and celebrated. They are truly once in a lifetime travel experiences best shared in a small group environment."

15 day 'Secrets of Japan' Small Group Journey:

Tokyo - Hakone - Kiso Valley - Takayama - Kanazawa - Hiroshima - Nara - Kyoto

4 July 2013 departure: Gion Festival, Kyoto, priced from $7,295 per person twin share

3 October 2013 departure: Takayama Festival, priced from $7,645 per person twin share

Journey includes:

•   13 nights hotel accommodation
  • ­     Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
  • ­     Nagoya Castle Plaza
  • ­     Best Western Hotel Takayama­   
         Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae
  • ­     Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
  • ­     Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
•   1 night Ryokan accommodation
  • ­     Hakone Yumoto Ryokan
•   Breakfast daily and 2 dinners 
•   10 day trains 
•   Transport in air-conditioned vehicles 
•   Small group touring 
•   Entrance fees 
•   Luggage transport 
•   Western tour leader based on a minimum of 10 travellers 
•   Local English-speaking guides 
•   Return transfers (on first and last day of tour only)

International flights not included.

About Travel Indochina

Travel Indochina has been operating Small Group Journeys and tailor-made travel to Asia since 1993. Offering journeys to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China and Tibet, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Burma, Mongolia and Bhutan, Travel Indochina has six offices across its Asia destinations, Western tour guides and English-speaking local guides.

Travel Indochina's idea is simple - to explore and share the essence of Asia's history, culture, natural beauty and, most importantly, people. The company has a commitment to responsible travel and a belief that travel is an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, cultures and wealth.

For more information and bookings, Travel Indochina's Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 365 355 or online at www.travelindochina.com.au


MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrea Plawutsky
andrea@amplifyme.com.au
+61(0)419970984